Barbecue on the River Cooks Up Flavorful Fall Fun in Paducah, Kentucky

The 19th Ever Barbecue on the River celebrates Western Kentucky’s rich barbecue tradition in Historic Downtown Paducah. Forty barbecue teams will prepare more than sixty tons of meat during the three-day event, September 26-28, 2013.

“Our barbecue festival and competition is different than most in that every visitor can taste the variety of competitors' products,” said David Boggs, Executive Director of Barbecue on the River.

A community charitable event, food vendors compete not only for the coveted Grand Champion trophy but to raise the most funds for charity. Barbecue on the River raised more than $400,000 for 75 charities in 2012.

Gather with local Kentuckians and feast on hickory smoked meats paired with Southern fixin’s and desserts. In addition to award-winning barbecue, the festival features live entertainment by the region’s best musicians on the Main Stage. The beer and wine garden and dozens of Market Days vendor booths are open throughout the festival.

On Saturday, September 28, the Barbecue 5K Run and Marine Industry Day add more family fun. Marine Industry Day activities allow visitors to experience “life on the river” through tow boat tours, line throwing contests and displays of maritime equipment.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association named Barbecue on the River one of the Top 10 Fall Festivals & Events in Kentucky for 2013.

Find event details and the Main Stage line-up at www.bbqontheriver.org. For more information about Paducah, Kentucky and trip planning resources, visit www.paducah.travel.